Tyson profit better than expected; outlook strong
Tyson Foods Inc
The company, which is working to improve its chicken business, said all operating segments were profitable in the quarter, with beef, pork and prepared foods within or above historical operating margin ranges.
The world's largest meat producer reported a net loss of $455 million, or $1.22 a share, for the fourth quarter ended on October 3, compared with a year-earlier profit of $48 million, or 13 cents a share.
Excluding a goodwill impairment charge for its beef business, Tyson earned 28 cents a share, beating the analysts' average estimate of 26 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Revenue at the Springdale, Arkansas-based company edged up to $7.21 billion from $7.20 billion. Analysts on average were expecting $6.88 billion.
Tyson, like other meat companies, continues to recover from a rough 2008 and early 2009, when high feed and fuel prices increased production costs and the recession slowed sales in the United States and overseas.
In response, Tyson curbed production and negotiated shorter-term food service contracts to more quickly pass on higher costs.
Tyson shares were up 1.8 percent at $13.30 in trading before the opening bell.
(Reporting by Dhanya Skariachan; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
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